ANFIELD LEGEND PHIL SAYS 'PHENOMENAL' LIVERPOOL WILL WIN THE LEAGUE ON MERIT

LIVERPOOL great Phil Thompson has hit back at the criticism of Arne Slot's champions elect, claiming it shows “a lack of respect”.

- DAVID ANDERSON

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen said only winning the title would not be enough after they were dumped out of the Champions League by Paris St Germain before losing the Carabao Cup Final to Newcastle.

Liverpool then produced a shambolic defensive display as they lost 3-2 at Fulham on Sunday to slow their progress to the Premier League title.

Thompson feels it is wrong to say Liverpool are only 11 points clear because Arsenal and Manchester City have been so bad.

The former Liverpool captain and assistant manager insists Slot's side are not getting enough credit for everything they have achieved in the Premier League and their title success will only be their second in 35 years.

Thompson claims it is phenomenal to lose only two league games in 31 and the Reds are the Premier League's top scorers with 72 goals.

"A lot of people do a disservice to this Liverpool team and say they've only done well because other teams have fallen away," he said.

"They say they're only top of the league because Man City and Arsenal have struggled this season. That's wrong.